Method and apparatus for producing visual results using colorimetric strips

One embodiment of the present invention improves the visual use of urine test strips and reagent pads by providing a single color from a reference color spectrum directly on the colorimetric strip and adjacent to the reagent area to allow easy comparison. After application of a fluid to be tested to a reagent area on the colorimetric strip, a technician is able to easily compare the color in the reagent area to the reference color area(s) to determine the presence or absence of, for example, glucose, in the fluid. Placing at least one reference color immediately next to the reagent area markedly improves technician's accuracy in comparing and analyzing the reagent area against the reference color(s). The present invention allows a technician to easily and quickly compare a reagent area color to more than one reference area to determine the actual numerical value of, for example, the pH in the tested fluid.